Niger’s military junta disbanded four big justice-sector unions on August 7, 2025, with no reason. The justice minister subsequently asserted that the unions had surrendered to private interests at the expense of their responsibilities. This is part of an overall crackdown since the junta seized power in July 2023 on opposition, media, civil society groups, and trade unions. The action raises severe issues of judicial independence and workers’ rights in Niger. One such union is a public sector union that has deemed the dissolution a severe infringement on freedoms and called upon the junta to overturn it. The junta dissolved paramilitary unions in April and continues to hold former President Mohamed Bazoum, his wife, and rights activist Moussa Tiangari in detention. Elections have also been postponed. Unions have long been a stalwart guardian of democracy in Niger. The authorities must reinstate the unions, uphold freedom of association, and have an independent judiciary under international law.
Sovereign LORD, we pray for Your divine intervention in the nation of Niger. Let Your justice and peace dominate in this country against all suppression from man and the evil one. In the Majestic Name of our Savior, Jesus Christ’s Name, Amen (The Holy Bible, Psalm 9:7-8).
Almighty GOD, we pray for the immediate and unconditional release of former President Mohamed Bazoum, his wife, rights activist Moussa Tiangari, and other imprisoned rights activists, journalists, political dissidents, and believers. Raise more voices to advocate for their freedom. We pray for more freedom of expression and freedom of association in Niger (The Holy Bible, Matthew 19:26).
News Source: Human Rights Watch
Image Source: Canva
